Disposal of air bags and air bag equipped vehicles (including
pretensioners)
For disposal of air bags or air bag equipped vehicles, see your local
dealership or qualified technician. Air bags MUST BE disposed of by
qualified personnel.
SAFETY RESTRAINTS FOR CHILDREN
See the following sections for directions on how to properly use safety
restraints for children. Also seeAir Bag Supplemental Restraint
System (SRS)in this chapter for special instructions about using air
bags.
Important child restraint precautions
You are required by law to use safety restraints for children in the U.S.
and Canada. If small children ride in your vehicle (generally children who
are four years old or younger and who weigh 18 kg [40 lbs] or less), you
must put them in safety seats made especially for children. Check your
local and state or provincial laws for specific requirements regarding the
safety of children in your vehicle.
Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap while the
vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the child from
injury in a collision.
Always follow the instructions and warnings that come with any infant or
child restraint you might use.
When possible, always place children under age 12 in the rear seat of
your vehicle. Accident statistics suggest that children are safer when
properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating
position.
Children and safety belts
If the child is the proper size, restrain the child in a safety seat.
Children who are too large for child safety seats (as specified by your
child safety seat manufacturer) should always wear safety belts.
Follow all the important safety restraint and air bag precautions that
apply to adult passengers in your vehicle.
If the shoulder belt portion of a combination lap and shoulder belt can
be positioned so it does not cross or rest in front of the child's face or
Seating and safety restraints
136
Make sure the corresponding lights illuminate briefly. If a light fails to
illuminate, have the vehicle serviced.
²If the driver's safety belt is fastened, the
light may not illuminate.
STARTING THE ENGINE
Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter.
1. Turn the key to 5 (START)
without pressing the accelerator
pedal and release as soon as the
engine starts. The key will return to
4 (RUN).
2. If the temperature is above ±12É
C (10É F) and the engine does not
start within five seconds on the first
try, turn the key to OFF, wait 10 seconds and try again.
3. If the temperature is below -12É C (10É F) and the engine does not
start in 15 seconds on the first try, turn the key OFF and wait 10
seconds and try again. If the engine does not start in two attempts, Press
the accelerator pedal all the way to floor and hold. Turn the key to
START position.
4. When the engine starts, release the key, then release the accelerator
pedal gradually as the engine speeds up.
5. After idling for a few seconds, apply the brake and release the parking
brake.
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Starting
146
Using the engine block heater (if equipped)
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster and allows the heater-defroster
system to respond quickly. Use of an engine block heater is strongly
recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach -23ÉC
(-10ÉF) or below.
For best results, plug the heater in at least three hours before starting
the vehicle. Using the heater for longer than three hours will not harm
the engine, so the heater can be plugged in the night before starting the
vehicle.
To prevent electrical shock, do not use your heater with
ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters.
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Although odorless and colorless, carbon monoxide is present in exhaust
fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
If you ever smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside your vehicle,
have your dealer inspect and fix your vehicle immediately. Do
not drive if you smell exhaust fumes. These fumes are harmful and
could kill you.
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked whenever:
²the vehicle is raised for service.
²the sound of the exhaust system changes.
²the vehicle has been damaged in a collision.
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive
harm.
Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped in an open area for
long periods of time, open the windows at least 2.5 cm (one inch).
Starting
147
Speed sensitive steering
The steering in your vehicle is speed sensitive. At high speeds, steering
assist will decrease to improve steering feel. At lower speeds,
maneuverability will be increased.
If the amount of effort required to steer your vehicle changes at a
constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system checked by your
dealer or a qualified service technician.
TRACTION CONTROLY(IF EQUIPPED)
The Traction Controlysystem helps maintain the stability and
steerability of your vehicle. It is especially useful on slippery and/or hilly
road surfaces. The system operates at all speeds by detecting and
controlling wheel spin. The system borrows many of the electronic and
mechanical elements already present in the anti-lock braking system
(ABS).
Wheel-speed sensors allow excess rear wheel spin to be detected by the
Traction Controlyportion of the ABS computer. Any excessive wheel
spin is controlled by automatically applying and releasing the rear brakes
in conjunction with engine torque reductions. Engine torque reduction is
realized via the fully electronic spark and fuel injection systems. This
process is very sensitive to driving conditions and very fast acting. The
rear wheels ªsearchº for optimum traction several times a second and
adjustments are made accordingly.
The Traction Controlysystem will allow your vehicle to make better use
of available traction on slippery surfaces. The system is a driver aid
which makes your vehicle easier to handle primarily on snow and ice
covered roads. This is especially evident if wheel spin-up should occur
while turning.
During Traction Controlyoperation you may hear an electric motor type
of sound coming from the engine compartment and the engine will not
ªrev-upº when you push further on the accelerator. This is normal
system behavior.
Driving
152
If you should become stuck in snow
or on a very slippery road surface,
try switching the Traction Controly
system off. This may allow excess
wheel spin to ªdigº the vehicle out
or enable a successful ªrockingº
maneuver.
If the Traction Controlysystem is
cycled excessively, the brake portion
of the system will shut down to
prevent the rear brakes from
overheating. A limited Traction Controlyfunction using only engine
torque reduction will still help control wheels from over-spinning. When
the rear brakes have cooled down, the system will again function
normally. Anti-lock braking is not affected by this condition and will
function normally during the cool down period.
AdvanceTracYStability Enhancement System (if equipped)
The AdvanceTracysystem helps the driver maintain the stability and
steerability of the vehicle. The system integrates anti-lock braking system
(ABS), Traction Controlyand a more advanced function to further
enhance the stability of the vehicle. The system shares many of the
electronic and mechanical elements already present in the Traction
Controlyand ABS systems.
The AdvanceTracyconstantly monitors the vehicle motion relative to
the driver's intended course. This is done by using added sensors that
compare the steering inputs from the driver with the actual motion of
the vehicle. When there is a discrepancy between the driver's inputs and
the vehicle motion, AdvanceTracychanges the force at each tire to help
control the vehicle. If the vehicle begins to rotate excessively left or
right, spin out, or slide sideways, the system will attempt to correct the
excessive motion. If the vehicle does not respond to steering inputs, the
system will attempt to increase the turning response of the vehicle.
The AdvanceTracyenhances stability during maneuvers that require all
available tire traction to control the vehicle. The benefits of the
AdvanceTracysystem are most noticeable when driving in wet/snowy/icy
road conditions and/or when performing emergency maneuvers. In an
emergency lane-change, the driver will experience better overall vehicle
traction, and have better control of the vehicle.
OFF
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Driving
153
Reverse
Make sure that your vehicle is at a complete stop before you shift into R
(Reverse). Failure to do so may damage the transmission.
Put the gearshift lever in N
(Neutral) and wait at least three
seconds before shifting into R
(Reverse).
Shift into R (Reverse) only by
moving the gearshift lever left of 1
(First) gear and then forward into R
(Reverse) gear.
Removing key from ignition
²Turn the ignition key to position
1 (LOCK).
²Remove the ignition key.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the depth is
unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and if the ignition
system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also enter your
engine's air intake and severely damage your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars).
Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop
the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by
moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.
Driving through deep water where the transmission/transmission
vent tube is submerged may allow water into the transmission
and cause internal transmission damage.
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Driving
166
SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
²We provide a Scheduled Maintenance Guide which makes tracking
routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
necessary parts and service. Check your ªWarranty Guideº to find out
which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
²Do not work on a hot engine.
²When the engine is running, keep loose clothing, jewelry or long hair
away from moving parts.
²Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
²Keep all lit cigarettes, open flames and other lit material away from
the battery and all fuel related parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle will drive properly, as explained in the
Batterysection in this chapter.
Working with the engine off
²Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
²Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Depress the clutch and place the gearshift in 1 (First).
Maintenance and care
195
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible manner.
Follow your community's regulations and standards for recycling and
disposing of automotive fluids.
Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle's cooling system can hold, refer
toRefill capacitiesin theCapacities and specificationschapter.
Fill your engine coolant reservoir as outlined inAdding engine coolant
in this chapter.
Severe climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than ±36É C [±34É F]):
²it may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration
above 50%.
²NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
²increased engine coolant concentrations above 60% will
decrease the overheat protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
²refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
freeze protection at the temperatures in which you drive in the
winter months.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
²it is still necessary to maintain the coolant concentration
above 40%.
²NEVER decrease the coolant concentration below 40%.
²decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the corrosion protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
²decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the freeze protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
²refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
protection at the temperatures in which you drive.
Maintenance and care
208